Spring is beginning to give way to summer and this means but one that at Baird Brewing — time for the annual release of an extremely unique Brewmaster’s Select Series Seasonal Beer: Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale.

Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale 2007 is a fruit beer brewed with the addition of freshly squeezed Japanese natsumikan juice as well as the outer peels.
Natsumikans are grapefruit-like both in appearance (large, round, yellowish orange) and in flavor (tart and sweetly sour). The tart natsumikan flavor is counterbalanced beautifully by a robustly complex malt flavor reminiscent of honey and biscuits. Additional citrus notes are provided by an All-American lineup of hops: Simcoe, Centennial and Amarillo. ABV is approximately 5.3%.

In the glass, Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale 2007 introduces itself in a tawny orange-gold color made turbid by the acidity of the fruit. The aroma is the piquant one of citrus fruit. A spritzy champagne-like natural carbonation serves both to prolong the flavor experience and to dry the palate. The beer is a marvelous aperitif and its quenching character makes it a perfect
warm weather libation.

Shizuoka Summer Mikan Ale will be poured from the Fishmarket Taproom taps beginning Sunday, May 27. It also will be available at select Baird Beer retailers both on draught and in bottle-conditioned form. Direct consumer orders to the brewery may also be placed.